Top NY consumer complaints? Internet, cars and credit cards

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Internet-related frauds, such as spyware and privacy issues, topped state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's list of the top 10 consumer fraud complaints received by his office in 2013.

There were 4,753 Internet-related consumer complaints statewide in 2013. Automobile-related frauds, including buying, leasing, repair, service contracts and rentals, followed with 2,614 complaints. Credit scams like identity theft, debt collection and credit repair scams had 2,295 complaints.Including all 10 categories, there were 19,193 consumer fraud complaints total statewide.

The Rochester area lodged 396 consumer complaints, with 125 automobile complaints, 107 home repair/construction and 63 consumer-related service complaints.

"My office will use every legal tool at our disposal to hold fraudsters and unscrupulous businesses accountable, and to protect consumers from their deceptive practices," Schneiderman said in a statement. "I encourage all New Yorkers who feel they have been victims of fraud to contact my office and take all necessary precautions to prevent scams before they start."

Schneiderman's office released the top-10 list as part of National Consumer Protection Week.

Schneiderman said mortgage-related scams continue to be a large problem in the state due to consumers struggling with mortgage costs. Consumers can be targeted by fraudulent "loan modification consultants."

Consumers can file complaints by visiting www.ag.ny.gov or calling 1-800-771-7755.

A full list of the top 10 consumer frauds can be found below, via the AG's office: